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Commodities February 21, 2026

Blizzard Warnings Issued for New York City and Nearby States as Major East Coast Storm Approaches

National Weather Service forecasts heavy snow, strong winds and coastal flood risk from the Mid-Atlantic to the Northeast

By Priya Menon
Blizzard Warnings Issued for New York City and Nearby States as Major East Coast Storm Approaches

Blizzard warnings have been posted for New York City and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut as a sizable storm is expected to move up the East Coast. The National Weather Service warns of heavy snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding risks from Sunday into Monday, with the greatest impacts along the shoreline.

Key Points

  • Blizzard warnings issued for New York City and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut as a major storm moves up the East Coast.
  • Up to 1.5 feet (46 cm) of snow expected in and around New York City, with strongest impacts along the coast where minor to widespread flooding is possible.
  • Strong winds - sustained 25 to 35 mph (40 to 56 kph) with gusts 45 to 55 mph - raise the likelihood of power outages; utilities and coastal infrastructure are most directly affected.

WASHINGTON, Feb 21 - Officials have issued blizzard warnings for New York City and portions of New Jersey and Connecticut as a significant storm system is forecast to affect a broad stretch of the East Coast. The National Weather Service said snow and storm warnings are in effect from the Mid-Atlantic through the Northeast, with the most intense conditions expected between Sunday and Monday.

The NWS highlighted specific threats and regional impacts:

  • Snow accumulation: Up to 1.5 feet (46 cm) of snow is possible in and around New York City, including Long Island, the NWS said.
  • Regional severity: A combination of heavy snowfall and strong winds will particularly affect New Jersey through southeastern New England.
  • Historic note: This marks the first blizzard warning issued for New York City since 2017.
  • Wind forecasts: Sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph (40 to 56 kph) with gusts of 45 to 55 mph are expected Sunday night.
  • Coastal exposure: The strongest impacts are forecast along the coast, where there is minor to widespread flood potential.
  • Infrastructure risk: Strong winds will likely result in power outages, the NWS said.
  • Extended watch area: Washington, D.C., and Baltimore areas are under a winter storm watch.

The advisory emphasizes that coastal communities face the greatest concentration of hazards from this system, with both flooding and wind-related impacts noted. Inland areas across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast remain under various snow and storm warnings as the system moves northward.

Officials urged residents in affected areas to prepare for significant accumulations, high winds, and the potential for power interruptions. The combination of heavy snowfall and strong gusts elevates the risk to coastal infrastructure and utilities, the NWS assessment indicates.

As conditions develop from Sunday into Monday, public-safety agencies and utilities in the affected regions will be monitoring the storm and its impacts. The NWS continues to provide updates on snowfall totals, wind speeds, and flood potential as forecasts are refined.

Note: All forecasts and warnings referenced here are those provided by the National Weather Service.

Risks

  • Power outages resulting from strong winds and gusts, posing risks to utilities and dependent services.
  • Minor to widespread coastal flooding in shoreline communities, threatening coastal infrastructure and property.
  • Heavy snowfall combined with high winds could disrupt normal operations in affected urban and regional areas, particularly along the coast.

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